Syntheses and crystal structures of three new compounds {trans-[Cu(Hsal) 2 (4,4'-bipy)](DMF)} n (1), {cis-[Cu(Hsal) 2 (4,4'-bipy)](2H 2 O)} n (2), and [Cu 2 (Hsal) 4 (4,4'-bipy)] n (3) are reported. These three compounds have trans-, cis-, and dimer geometries bearing a common motif [Cu(Hsal) 2 (4,4-bipy) n ] leading to ladder, zig-zag, and linear one-dimensional (1-D) networks, respectively. The Cu...Cu distances separated by 4,4'-bipy are different in these three compounds, which leads to an extension structure in compound 3 and a compact structure in compound 2. Conformations of 4,4'-bipy ligands in these three compounds are also different. In compound 1 there is stacking of the bidentate salicylate and the bridging salicylate from another molecule. There is also stacking of salicylate and 4,4'-bipy from another molecule in compound 2.